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Help! I feel totally defeated, frustrated, lost I am not new to puppy training (my 7th dog). I know all the basics. I'm home all day, yet things just get progressively worse. I've had my 15wk male pup for 5wks and things couldn't be worse! He urinates MORE frequently now, has lost all natural cleanliness and eats his poop! I could not have failed more completely. I know he understands what I want. He even knows the words. Now that he will use the crate for potty, I don't know what to do! I've purchased the smallest crates they make, even had him in a dog purse to start as he was 20oz when I got him. I realize I need to start over, but I can't do every 2hrs around the clock. Even when I did, he still managed to urinate in between if I let him play on the floor. If I keep him in my lap during play or hold him, he won't need to go for 4hrs or more. So he absolutely has normal bladder control. He PREFERS to urninate in our living area. Even when I do every 2 hrs, he finds a way to urninate. When I crate him, he urninates. I am willing to put in the work, I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm up in the middle of the night writing you guys cuz I'm so upset, I can't sleep. |
Don't you just love the puppy stage???? I know alot of us have been where you are right now and we survived. I'm not going to be alot of help but there are alot of people on here that have good ideas. Welcome to Yorkie Talk. |
Karen, Thanks for your words of support. I need them. He is so sweet, fiesty, smart and cute. I just can't get thru to him. I feel like each day I lose ground with him. It's really starting to work against the bonding process. We are both unhappy. I'm hoping I can get some new ideas to turn this around. Thanks again. |
He's just a puppy and doing what puppies do. They simply can't be expected to the potty trained at 15 weeks. Yes, you need to start again, but it's not as hard as you think and you don't have to do every two hours. What I did to potty train all my dogs (and I'm currently potty training my litter of 8 week old puppies in the same way), is to make going outside fun, exciting and a group outing. I have certain words that I use to let them know that we're going outside, so that by the time I reach the door, the dogs are very keen to go out. Once outside, I wait for them to potty and in the beginning, I would say "potty" just before he/she finished peeing. You don't want to say it too early or they will stop. Now I just say potty and they will each go to find a good spot to potty. They get loads of praise, sometimes treats and play time, afterwards. Rinse and repeat until they truly understand what you want. This has been the most successful way that I've found to potty train my dogs and it took the litter of puppies less than a week to catch on. They will still make mistakes inside, but you just clean those up without a word with a vinegar/water mixture to remove any smell. Make a big fuss about going outside and they will come to expect and look forward to it. Just one more note on dog training - the best thing you can do for your puppy is to develop your own language of words that he understands. I don't mean commands like sit or lie down, but rather words that let them know what's going to happen next. I have a wide array of these like "Hungry?", "Let's go outside", "Pee-pee", "Wanna drive", "Give me a kiss", "Watch out", etc. and my dogs respond very well to them. The more you use words like these that they understand, the more rewarding your relationship becomes. |
You said this is your 7th dog, but is it your 1st yorkie? My 1st dog was a lab mutt from the humane society & even though he was only 9 weeks old when I got him, he instinctively knew to go outside to potty after day 1. Everything I read prior to getting my yorkie said how difficult they can were potty train, but I just really had no concept until I experienced it for myself. All I can say is consistency is the key. The fact he knows the words is a great start, but they are stubborn little creatures and knowing what to do and actually doing it are 2 different things (kinda like teenagers...). Good luck. Stay with it and you will be rewarded with a well trained dog. (And then there is always laminate flooring...:rolleyes:) |
Good Morning Ladies. Thank you both for responding. You both are absolutely right. Puppies r not perfect, but it was clear from the start how smart this guy was and he really did get what was expected right away. But the more he was allowed to play w/the other dogs, the more he discovered and became hooked on marking all over. I actually watched him walk onto the pee pad, walk off, then urinate elsewhere! He was pooping on the pad just fine. Now he won't even do that. I caught him in the act a few times and scooped him up and placed him on the pad. He REALLY didn't like that. Now he waits til I'm not looking or out of the room. He is definitely my 1st Yorki. I thought I knew stubborn, boxer, shih tzu, bullmastiff, but this guy is a total trip. As a groomer, I knew Yorki's were tiny pitbulls, but I didn't realize they were so stubborn about potty training. I've since asked some Yorki owner clients and their adult dogs are far from trustworthy. Being single and childless, I talk to my dogs, alot! I also lavish w/praise every chance I get. I just don't know how to recover from him soiling his crate. I do not leave him in his crate for long hours, except for overnight. Even though I am at home, I do let him spend several hours in the crate every day so he will accept it when I do have to leave. 1). I need to stop him from soiling his crate 2). how do I handle his marking? Even when I'd take him to the pad every two hrs, he would still mark somewhere, even if it was just a little bit. If he didn't realize what he was doing, I'd just keep ignoring it, but it's no accident. It's embarrasing to be outwitted by a 15wk old. Sleep depravation is no fun either. |
Good Morning Ladies, and thank you both. I agree w/what you both say whole heartedly. I use lots of words to communicate w/my dogs it's so helpful. I give praise at every good turn. This is my 1st Yorki, for sure, but I thought I knew stubborn: boxer, shih tzu, bullmastiff, but this lil guy is something. It's embarrasing to be outwitted by a 15wk old. He definitely knows what is expected. He just enjoys marking. I've watched him closely. 1) what can I do to get him to stop soiling his crate. 2) what do I do when I know he has marked, instead of had an accident? I was ignoring it, and focusing on what he did right, but the bad behavior increased. I do not keep him in the crate for long hours, except for overnight. I feel it's important for him to be okay w/being confined, even if I am at home. Also, I have watched him walk onto the pee pad and walk away and urinate somewhere else. I have caught him in the act a few times and scooped him up and put him on the pad. He REALLY didn't like that so now he is very covert about his assaults. He's crafty! Darla |
Something that doesnt correct Hueys marking behavior but stops the actual marking in the house is a belly band. I dont use one at home, but if I am visiting friends or family, esp those with dogs, it is an absolute lifesaver. I highly recommend a belly band.:D |
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Little Rascal My how I feel for you, your patience must be wearing thin. I do not know what you can do about the crate peeing as it seems you are doing EVERYTHING! But perhaps when he is out and about with you, you could tether him to you so he cannot do anything without your knowledge? Although young pups pee a lot and have little control yet, is it at all possible he has a bladder problem?? A friend had the same issue with her puppy and found the pup had (irritating) crystals. Hope it is just youthful behavior and that there is no health reason. Best of luck and hope you resolve this soon! |
mine doesnt mind peeing in her crate either if I am not home (rarely) and she doesnt get attention. I got a puppy apartment that can expand and it has worked really well. she has room for sleeping and eating and a little play, she walks trhough a door to potty. She is now good with this 99% of the time. She DOES prefer not to sit in it afterall! Mine also has a top. Its from richell. The beauty is you can start it smaller than slowly increase the free space.... I will not let her pee on my carpets..not an option... |
not sure how this forum works, but it won't let my replies go thru immediately? Anyway. I appreciate all the input. I just cannot live w/a dog that is not potty trained. OTOH. It is only 15wks in. I just know how hard it is to undo unwanted behavior. The tethering is a great idea. I've done it before. I'm scared I'll step on him (done it several times already-Yikes). Never had a pup this small (or cute). I will definitely be using belly bands when I visit family, but am hoping thats the only time I will need them. I know I sound harsh and impatient. I'm getting up in age and it's been a long time since I've been this challenged w/potty training. I AM SO TIRED!! :) With other dogs in the house, I run the risk of them regressing also. The puppy "apartment" is also a great idea. I have 3 ways to go w/that but haven't decided the best way. I have a 4ft x 3ft metal crate, the Northgate superyard  Amazon.com: North States Superyard Play Yard,... , and the 46" soft-sided octagon playpen Amazon.com: Pet Gear Travel Lite Octagon Pet Pen... I hesitate to use the latter as he urinates on everything. Realized this morning that he tagged my winter jacket that was on the sofa! I don't want him to get used to urinating on it as I was hoping that would be his adult condo when I'm not at home. Whenever I leave him alone w/pee pads, he tries to make confetti. So I'm not convinced lining it w/pee pads will work. Any ideas would b appreciated.It amazes me how someone so little can get into so much! One thing I've decided for sure, I need to stock up on red wine and work on relaxing and enjoying this guy. Lol. Thank you all. Every comment gives me more to consider and strength to soldier on!:) |
I hear your frustration and in the immortal words of Bill Clinton ... I feel your pain First thing ..... training at 15 weeks just ain't gonna happen esp with a Yorkie pup second get ready ..... because training these little guys isn't easy The males esp like to mark everything ... I know ... because I got two Next for some reason they like the smell of urine :eek: They have no aversion for peeing on and in their bedding or anywhere for that matter Just keep after them .... once they get a little older and it helps if there is the smell of other dogs outside because that will tempt them to pee and mark outside rather than in the house .... and remember .... when he does pee or poop outside ..... make like it's a ticker-tape parade :p |
I've never crated my dogs, I don't believe in it but that's just a personal preference. When mine were in the training stage, they were in the expen attached to the front of their wire crate, with the crate door hooked open. Then I put a cover over the crate making it like a little den. I put a soft thick pad inside with a small soft blanket. I then put inside the expen, their pee-pad (washable so they wouldn't chew on it) a med. non-tip dog bowl with just a little water at a time, then a couple of safe toys and a small beef femur bone that I boiled and took the marrow out. This set up was perfect!! I then took them out every hour or two for a bit of training and lots of exercise. |
Joey P, Your post made me laugh-thanks! Mozzi should be a very happy pup cuz he's peed on almost everything and I haven't found all the spots yet. Now that the weathers improving we've been going outside. Things have improved dramatically. He really likes pooping outside! He's also had fewer pee incidents indoors. It doesn't hurt that I pulled out my emergency stash of beer either. We're back to being totally in love with each. Beer and duct tape can fix just about any problem. Hey, that gives me an idea.... |
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Yorkidaze, your setup sounds great. I had high hopes when I bought this lil one home. I had some nice blue stuffed animals, comfy blankets and he slept in a matching blue, heavily padded carrier purse. He peed all over everything. I bought a tiny canvas "tent" with a cushion and used extra blankies and more toys, he peed all over that. Now, he's in a plastic vari kennel-type crate with nothing else, he's peed and pooped in that!! Even though he has peed all over my bed, I let him sleep w/me last night and he was an angel. I think he read my earlier posts and got a little worried. My next post was gonna be cute Yorki-x pup for sale... Seriously though, I'm not a huge fan of crates, but I definitely believe in confinement. If he stays small, I don't ever want to leave him "out" while I'm gone. That's why I have the two different pens for indoors. Just not sure when/how to introduce them. I'd prefer he didn't pee all over them. So maybe when he's mostly reliable. Thanks for your input and ideas. |
I was just thinking (rare, I know, lol) Is he chilly? When he's on your lap he has control... he's also sucking up your body heat.... |
Kjc, he probably is! Poor guy. I'm menopausal so the house temp is a constant 64F. I'm in Illinois so u can imagine the outdoor temps. I tried finding something to fit him but everything is too wide. He did wear a homemade sock "sweater", but he's outgrown that. I can use a men's tube sock for a better fit and maybe take in some of the sweaters I bought for him to grow into. GOOD POINT. Thanks! |
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I always have a hot drink and a cold drink near me to help regulate my body temperature... |
Hmmm, cold drink, hot drink? Cold beer....Hot toddy? Can't even spell it, definitely don't know how to make it. Lol. Great idea, gotta work on the "hot" part. I had intended to get some resale kids sweatshirts to make him more clothes. He wears the medium hampster harness, so he's pretty small still. Haven't been getting out much. Had surgery in January, still not 100%. Lost a uterus and gained a puppy. I think it was an even trade. Works for me! Thanks again for pointing that out. I have so many "Duh" moments. |
No problem... hope you feel better soon! |
This is just my opinion but I truly believe belly bands worn at home help them learn to "hold it" if possible. I have a puppy mill rescue and for some reason the past few months he has been marking the end of the couch. So I put a pee pad up the side of the couch and then realized I'm encouraging him to potty there. So I rented a steam cleaner, bought the enzyme shampoo and cleaned the heck out of it. The little stinker is so sneaky I never see when he goes potty on the pad or the end of the couch. Took him to the vet for his annual visit last week and told her how his behavior has changed and not only is he pottying what seems to be a lot but every now and then he started going over to Speedy's food bowl (I don't free feed) when she was done and hiking his leg on it. He has NEVER done that in four years. Toby is six years old. The vet took a urine speciman and sure enough, he has a UTI. After five days on antibiotics I've already noticed a difference. He seems more relaxed, he doesn't seem to need to potty as much and today our new family room furniture was delivered. I scotchguarded it and put his dog bed at the end of the couch where he always seems to want to potty. So far so good but I'm not going to get excited yet. He's definitely the alpha dog in our house. So I'm hoping the pottying in the house was because of his medical issue and not a territorial issue as we've had him for four years. I'm hoping (and keeping fingers crossed) that since the new furniture has no urine on it whatsoever he won't feel the need to mark it as his territory. I will follow your thread in case others have ideas/suggestions I might be able to use. I would definitely take him to the vet and see if he has some sort of infection. I don't like leaving a belly band on Toby at home and my husband is home all day but isn't near as diligent about looking for pee spots as I am and always tells me "he's been with me all day" but maybe he will work harder at watching him now that we have new furniture! Hang in there, I've been dealing with this for months and I'm a clean freak and refuse to let this little stinker win! |
As a side note, I give Toby a treat EVERY time he potties outside. My two love frozen raw green beans and the vet said they can have as many of those they want. Another good reward is cheerios. On average, I would say Toby gets about 5-6 green beans each day on the weekends and at least 2-3 each night. |
Hi Diane, I have suggested belly bands for several dogs, so I don't hate them, but I want it to be a last resort. My experience with them has been that they get so used to them that they urinate in them all the time, like a wearable portapotty. I've also seen a lot of skin irritation in the tuck up area. Probably due to sizing. A friend has to use talc powder after every pad change. She lines hers with "light days" pads. I just figure at 15wks of age, I have time to train for the behavior I want. Adult dogs present a bigger challenge. My question to you is, what changed a few months ago? Urinating on the one end of the sofa and on the dog bowl seem so specific. I would think if he couldn't hold it, he would go by the door? A friends daughter moved home from college and the family dog started urinating and doing other things. She was no longer the only child and didn't handle it too well. They got the daughter to start taking her for walks (she didn't get to walk often) and the problem went away. Another friend's dog urinated on his leg while we were talking. He and his wife were divorcing. The wife had moved out and poor Tigger was feeling a bit lost. Time and a steady schedule resolved his uncertainty. My sister's dog urinated smack dab in the middle of the new boyfriend's bed. That was obvious. Lol Hopefully, it was just the UTI, but you might also think back to when it all started and see if anything may have changed to cause the behavior. Also, IMO, any healthy, previously trained, adult dog that starts urinating immediately starts losing priviledges and gets put back on the puppy track (frequent trips outdoors, limited unsupervised freedom). I know first hand how quick and crafty they can be about peeing indoors. I had a shih tzu that I tethered, kept a journal on, walked excessively, used a diaper and everything else I could think of. I could turn my back for a few seconds and she would be done before I turned around. Don't let me make a fridge run, it was guaranteed I'd have a puddle waiting when I returned. Diligence and advice/support will get you thru this. Clean freak, you say? Can I give you my address, please, please, please?! Lol. |
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correct me if I'm wrong, but you said he has started peeing when your husband leave the house? Which is something your husband rarely does? That seems like a change right there. Possibly a separation thing? Another friend was home for 6wks after surgery. When she went back to work, her boy became a total pain. I can also understand marking over the previous dog(s). My original two dogs were 120% trustworthy, but when I moved into this house, where another dog had lived, they peed, pooped and puked in every room of the house. Things eventually went back to normal, but oh, what a crazy ride that was. Sounds like he doesn't mind the belly bands and they don't irritate him, so that's good. |
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:rolleyes:I hope you are able to find something that works soon, I know how frustrating it can be :D |
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Large refill jug of natures miracle, lots of swiffer pads and LOTS of patience... (and a spare roll of toilet paper for the tootsie rolls stashed in strategic locations throughout the house) |
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